Manchester United keeping tabs on ex-Gunner

Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas remains reportedly high on new Manchester United manager David Moyes’ summer shopping list, according to the Express.

Moyes will officially replace Sir Alex Ferguson in the Old Trafford hotseat on July 1 but has already identified the centre of midfield as a weakness in the United squad.

Veteran Paul Scholes has announced his retirement for the second time while Darren Fletcher continues to battle a serious bowel condition that saw him miss the majority last season. Brazilian Anderson and Portuguese winger Nani are also expected to be sold during the summer.

A number of names have been linked with the Premier League champions in recent weeks, including Everton powerhouse Marouane Fellaini and Barca star Thiago Alcantara.

It is Thiago’s Barcelona team-mate Fabregas, however, who appears to be at the top of Moyes’ wanted list.

The Spain international has struggled to dislodge Xavi and Andreas Iniesta in the Barca starting line-up since moving to the Nou Camp from Arsenal in the summer of 2011.

Reports first surfaced last week that Fabregas could be a shock summer target for United and now there are claims that a figure in the region of £25million may be enough to persuade boss Tito Vilanova to sell the 23-year-old.

However, it remains to be seen whether Fabregas would be willing to give up on his Barca career so early and he may choose to wait for his opportunity in Catalonia.

He also may be reluctant to move to another Premier League club through loyalty to former club Arsenal, who are also believed to have first refusal on the midfielder as per the terms of his sale two years ago.